NEW SLANG
CERTIFICATIONS + ACCREDITATIONS + LAWS // what do you mean? 
B Corp / sometimes a B is better than an A 
B Corps are for-profit companies certified by the nonprofit B Lab, that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
bluesign / don’t you know that you’re toxic? 
The bluesign standard analyzes all input streams, from raw materials to chemical components, to resources to ensure that no harmful substances are used in the manufacturing of products. Prior to production, components are assessed based on their ecotoxicological impact.
BREEAM / Buildings (that are) Really Excellent Exciting & Magnificent 
BREEAM assessment process evaluates the procurement, design, construction and operation of a development (buildings and such)against sustainability targets that are based on performance benchmarks. BREEAM measures sustainable value in a series of categories, ranging from energy to ecology. Within every category, developments score points for achieving targets, and their final total determines their rating.
The California Transparency in Supply Chains Act provides consumers with critical information about the efforts that companies are undertaking to prevent and root out human trafficking and slavery in their product supply chains. This Act requires large retailers and manufacturers doing business in California to disclose on their websites their efforts to eradicate slavery and human trafficking from their direct supply chain for tangible goods offered for sale.
Ethical Clothing Australia / for mates 
Ethical Clothing Australia is an accreditation body working with Australian textile, clothing and footwear companies to ensure their local supply chains are transparent and legally compliant.
Fair Trade Federation Logo / let’s be fair 
The Fair Trade Federation is a membership organization of businesses who practice 360 fair trade. Only those organizations which have passed the screening process are admitted as members and permitted to display the Fair Trade Federation logo.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) / gots to be organic! 
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is a processing standard for textiles made from organic fibres. It defines high-level environmental criteria along the entire organic textiles supply chain and requires compliance with social criteria as well.
International Fairtrade Certification Mark (FLO International) / so fresh and so fair, fair 
For a product to display the Fairtrade Mark it must meet the international Fairtrade social, economic and environmental standards which are set by the certification body Fairtrade International. Fairtrade seeks to build transparent and sustainable trading relationships between Fairtrade farmers and workers and buyers that allow for long term planning and sustainable production practices.
ISO 50001 / it’s s000 efficient 
ISO 50001 is an energy management system that enables companies to reduce and improve the efficiency of their energy use.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 / sounds like a washing machine, and works like one, too! 
The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is an independent certification system that tests for harmful substances in textile raw materials, intermediate and end products at all stages of production. Testing for harmful substances includes: illegal substances, legally regulated substances, known harmful (but not legally regulated) chemicals as well as parameters for health care.
Organic Content Standard / they don’t like the 1% (or the other 4% either) 
The Organic Content Standard (OCS) is a standard for tracking and verifying the content of organically grown materials in a final product.
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The OCS 100 logo is used for only for product that contains 95% or more organic material.
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The OCS blended logo is used for products that contain 5% minimum of organic material blended with conventional or synthetic raw materials.
Responsible Down Standard / get down with down 
The Responsible Down Standard ensures that down and feathers come from ducks and geese that have been treated well. This means enabling them to live healthy lives, express innate behaviors, and not suffer from pain, fear or distress. The standard also follows the chain of custody from farm to product, so consumers can be confident that the down and feathers in the products they choose are truly RDS.
Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) / the actual Hotline Bling 
RJC Members commit to and are independently audited against the RJC Code of Practices – an international standard on responsible business practices for diamonds, gold and platinum group metals. The Code of Practices addresses human rights, labour rights, environmental impact, mining practices, product disclosure and many more important topics in the jewelry supply chain.
SA8000 / it isn’t a robot, it’s actually for humans 
SA8000 is an auditable social certification standard for decent workplaces, across all industrial sectors. It is based on the UN Declaration of Human Rights, conventions of the ILO, UN and national law, and spans industry and corporate codes to create a common language to measure social performance.
Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) / but not keeping things under wraps 
WRAP is an independent certification program mainly focused on the apparel, footwear, and sewn products sectors. To become certified, facilities must be in compliance with the WRAP Principles, which are based on generally accepted international workplace standards, local laws and workplace regulations which encompass human resources management, health and safety, environmental practices, and legal compliance including import/export and customs compliance and security standards.
United Nations Global Compact / a not so compact framework 
The UN Global Compact is a principle-based framework for businesses, stating ten principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption. Under the Global Compact, companies are brought together with UN agencies, labour groups and civil society.
MULTI-STAKEHOLDER INITIATIVES // #squadgoals 
Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety
The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety is a legally binding, five-year commitment to improve safety in Bangladeshi ready-made garment factories. The Alliance partners with governments, trade unions, and employers to ensure all workers are safe and fire and building integrity issues no longer result in any injuries or loss of life.
Bangladesh Building and Fire Safety Accord
The Accord is an independent, legally binding agreement between brands and trade unions designed to work towards a safe and healthy Bangladeshi Ready-Made Garment Industry. The aim is to ensure health and safety measures are in place to create working environments where no worker fears fires, building collapses, or other accidents.
Benefits for Business and Workers (BBW)
BBW works with factories to develop a virtuous circle of competitive businesses with skilled, well paid, safe and loyal workforces producing excellent products. BBW is a collaborative low-cost HR and productivity training program, that helps factories to improve their competitiveness by building productivity, efficiency, quality and safety, reduce worker turnover and absenteeism and create jobs for workers through improved wages, reduced working hours and better working environments.
Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)
The BCI aims to make global cotton production better for the people who produce it, better for the environment it grows in and better for the sector’s future. BCI works with a diverse range of stakeholders across the cotton supply chain to promote measurable and continuing improvements for the environment, farming communities and the economies of cotton-producing areas.
Better Mill Initiative (BMI)
The BMI aims to improve the sustainability performance of wet processing in the textile supply chain in China. The program focuses on factory improvement, multi stakeholder dialogue and knowledge exchange concerning best practice.
Better Work
Better Work works to improve garment workers’ lives by striving to secure safe, clean, equitable working environments. The organisation does this by building strong relations between managers and workers at the workplace who can then take ownership and responsibility for continuously improving working conditions and eventually competitiveness at the factory.
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Better Factories Cambodia monitors factories, trains management and workers, and provides guidance and advice on factory improvements that help enterprises preserve profits while respecting workers’ rights.
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Better Work Vietnam aims to improve working conditions and promote competitiveness in Vietnam’s apparel industry. The program conducts baseline assessments and offers customized advisory and training services to factories to address their individual needs.
Business Council for Global Development (BCGD)
BCGD partners with diverse stakeholders on programs that tackle social, economic, environmental and governance challenges in the developing world. BCGD facilitates communication with and between thought leaders, promotes US business interests in global development issues, advocates for improved rule of law in the developing world and is a clearinghouse for information and best practices concerning trade and development, capacity building, and effective business partnerships.
Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP)
BICEP is an advocacy coalition of businesses committed to working with policy makers to pass meaningful energy and climate legislation that will enable a rapid transition to a low-carbon, 21st century economy.
Business for Social Responsibility (BSR)
BSR is a global nonprofit organization that works with its network of more than 250 member companies to build a just and sustainable world. BSR develops sustainable business strategies and solutions through consulting, research, and cross-sector collaboration.
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HERproject uses peer health education and training programs to improve women factory workers’ awareness of reproductive health issues and access to health services in the developing world.
California Green Business Program
The California Green Business Network is a nonprofit organization that oversees programs operated by Chambers of Commerce, cities and counties throughout California. Businesses that apply receive personal attention from the public agencies and the utilities that serve them.
Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)
By leveraging market forces including shareholders, customers and governments, the CDP has incentivized thousands of companies and cities across the world to measure and disclose their environmental information. Through this global system the CDP reports that companies, investors and cities are better able to mitigate risk, capitalize on opportunities and make investment decisions that drive action towards a more sustainable world.
Clean Cargo Working Group (CCWG)
The CCWG is a global, business-to-business initiative dedicated to improving the environmental performance of marine container transport. CCWG tools represent the industry standard for measuring and reporting ocean carriers’ environmental performance on carbon dioxide emissions.
Clean Clothes Campaign
The Clean Clothes Campaign is dedicated to improving working conditions and supporting the empowerment of workers in the global garment and sportswear industries. The organisation is an alliance of organizations in 16 European countries and educates and mobilizes consumers, lobbies companies and governments, and offers direct solidarity support to workers as they fight for their rights and demand better working conditions.
Ethical Fashion Forum
The Ethical Fashion Forum supports and promotes sustainable practices, facilitates collaboration, raises awareness and provides the tools and resources needed to reduce poverty, reduce environmental damage and raise standards in the fashion industry. The organization is the industry body for sustainable fashion, representing over 10,000 members in more than 100 countries.
Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI)
The ETI is an alliance of companies, trade unions and NGOs that promotes respect for and collectively tackles issues regarding workers’ rights. All corporate members of ETI agree to adopt the ETI Base Code of labour practice, which is based on the standards of the International Labour Organization.
Fair Factories Clearinghouse (FFC)
FFC is a nonprofit organization that facilitates continuous improvement in workplace conditions through an innovative information tracking and sharing platform.
Fair Labor Association (FLA)
FLA is a collaborative effort of universities, civil society organizations and socially responsible companies dedicated to protecting workers’ rights around the world. FLA places the onus on companies to voluntarily meet internationally recognized labor standards wherever their products are made and supports companies through collaborative problems solving, assessments, resources, strategies and a mechanism for third party complaints.
Fair Trade Federation
The Fair Trade Federation is the trade association that strengthens and promotes North American organizations fully committed to fair trade. The Federation is part of the global fair trade movement, building equitable and sustainable trading partnerships and creating opportunities to alleviate poverty.
Fairtrade International (FLO)
Fair trade is an alternative approach to conventional trade based on a partnership between producers and traders, businesses and consumers. The international Fairtrade system – made up of Fairtrade International and its member organizations – represents the world’s largest and most recognized fair trade system.
Fair Wear Foundation (FWF)
FWF is an independent, non-profit organisation that works with companies and factories to improve labour conditions for garment workers. FWF keeps track of the improvements made by the companies it works with and through sharing expertise, social dialogue and strengthening industrial relations, FWF increases the effectiveness of the efforts made by companies.
Global Social Compliance Program (GSCP)
The GSCP’s mission is to harmonise existing efforts and deliver a common, consistent and global approach across sectors for the continuous improvement of working and environmental conditions in global supply chains. The GSCP has developed a set of reference tools and processes that describe best existing practices and provide a common interpretation of working and environmental requirements and their implementation.
Laborlink by Good World Solutions
Laborlink leverages the rapid spread of mobile phones to establish an anonymous two-way communication channel for workers to report on true conditions with no fear of retaliation, and for companies to receive real-time data directly from workers 365 days a year.
Greenpeace Detox
The Greenpeace Detox campaign was launched in 2011 to expose the direct links between global clothing brands, their suppliers and toxic water pollution around the world. The campaign requires brands to adopt a credible, individual and public commitment to phase out the use and release of all toxic chemicals from their global supply chain and products, by 1 January 2020.
International Labour Organization (ILO)
The main aims of the ILO are to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues. The tripartite structure of the ILO gives an equal voice to workers, employers and governments to ensure that all views are represented in labour standards and in shaping policies and programs.
IndustriALL
IndustriALL Global Union represents 50 million workers in 140 countries in the mining, energy and manufacturing sectors and works to improve working conditions and trade union rights around the world.
Joint Turkey Project
This pilot project aims to improve working conditions and the observance of international labour standards in participating garment factories in Turkey, develop a shared understanding of the ways in which codes of labour practice contribute to this end, and generate viable models for ongoing cooperation between the participating organizations. The pilot involves European and US companies and their garment suppliers in Turkey, as well as trade unions, NGOs, industry and employers’ associations and other interested parties.
Labour Behind the Label
Labour Behind the Label is a campaign that works to improve conditions and empower workers in the global garment industry. The organisation represents the Clean Clothes Campaign in the UK and works with over 250 partner organisations worldwide through this network.
Leather Working Group
The group seeks to improve the tanning industry by creating alignment on environmental priorities, bringing visibility to best practices and providing suggested guidelines for continual improvement. The objective of this multi-stakeholder initiative is to develop and maintain a protocol that assesses the environmental compliance and performance capabilities of tanners and promotes sustainable and appropriate environmental business practices within the leather industry.
Natural Resources Defense Council
Employing nearly 500 scientists, lawyers, and policy experts backed by 2 million members and online activists. It seeks to influence federal and state environmental and other agencies, the Congress and state legislatures, and the courts to reduce global warming, limit pollution, and generally conserve energy and increase sustainability of commerce and manufacturing.
Responsible Sourcing Network (RSN)
RSN is dedicated to ending human rights abuses and forced labor associated with the raw materials found in products we use every day. RSN builds responsible supply chain coalitions of diverse stakeholders including investors, companies, and human rights advocates.
Social Accountability International (SAI)
SAI works to protect the integrity of workers around the world by building local capacity and developing systems of accountability through socially responsible standards. SAI established the SA8000 standard for decent work, a tool for implementing international labor standards that is being used in over 3,000 factories, across 66 countries and 65 industrial sectors.
Sustainable Apparel Coalition
The Sustainable Apparel Coalition is the apparel, footwear and home textile industry’s alliance for sustainable production. The Coalition’s main focus is on building the Higg Index, a standardized supply chain measurement tool for all industry participants to understand the environmental and social and labor impacts of making and selling their products and services.
Sustainable Clothing Action Plan
SCAP aims to improve the sustainability of clothing across its lifecycle. By bringing together industry, government and the third sector the initiative works to reduce resource use and secure recognition for corporate performance by developing sector-wide targets.
Textile Exchange
Textile Exchange is a non-profit organization that is committed to the responsible expansion of textile sustainability across the global textile value chain. The organization’s work includes capacity building across the industry, advocating for product and industry integrity, bringing positive innovations to scale, improving organic farmers’ visibility and creating partnerships that accelerate sustainability projects.
Tirupur Stakeholder Forum
This Forum brings together trade unions, manufacturers and companies and develops programs that aim to improve labour and recruitment conditions in the south of India. The initiative in particular focuses on policies that serve to eradicate the Sumangali Scheme in the spinning factories in this region.
Verité
Verité services help companies and other stakeholders fully understand labor issues, overcome obstacles, and build sustainable solutions into their supply chains, benefiting companies and workers alike.
Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals Group (ZDHC)
The ZDHC is made up of a group of major apparel and footwear brands and retailers with a shared commitment to zero discharge of hazardous chemical in their supply chains by 2020. This group is collaborating and using a Joint Roadmap to set what it describes as a new standard of environmental performance for the global apparel and footwear industry.
